It is rare to find a person who does not have at least one credit card in the wallet because it makes payment easier, safer and more comfortable. A survey released by PwC in early March showed that 78.5% of Brazilians said their credit card is the most widely used payment option, ahead of money and debit cards. But the care with the payment of the invoices must be redoubled since the interest can reach 439,5%% per year. However, if there were any unforeseen events and you were unable to pay an invoice, you may have questions about how to resolve the problem.

For this, we have gathered important tips for debt renegotiation. The first? Do not be ashamed or afraid to seek out your creditor: he has as much interest in paying as much as you.

“Dialogue is the basis of every kind of relationship, be it personal, professional or commercial. Managers have no interest in losing the customer, just as he has no interest in being left without a service that can assist him when he needs it. Therefore, so that the debt does not turn a snowball, and the consumer continues to have a headache, it is best to seek the card administrator to renegotiate it, “advises Sorocred’s Director of Marketing and Relationship, Wilson Justo.

1. Put the beads on paper

At this point, it is very important that you be sure of all the money you have: how much you earn at a discount, how much other accounts add up, and lastly, how much you have available to pay off this debt. After all, to start a negotiation, you need to know what your base is and your ceiling.

2. Seek to renegotiate in person

If possible, get away from the phone and seek to renegotiate the debt yourself. “If you just call, you’ll probably find a clerk who will insist on paying the minimum bill, which is a financial suicide, because in that way you’re feeding a monster that can not stop. Ideally, you should look for the card manager or speak with a personal manager at your bank, “says Dori Boucault, a financial consultant specializing in consumer rights.

According to the consultant, telephone attendants are less flexible for renegotiation, insisting on “astronomical” values.

3. Demand the Total Effective Cost (TSC) of the card debt

It is your right to ask for the so-called Total Cost Effective debt, which will let you know the amount that will actually be charged: the total interest, charges, taxes, and taxes. That way, you do not run the risk of deluding yourself and accepting an offer you will not be able to pay (which will seem smaller than it is).

4. Only accept a proposal that is feasible

Otherwise, even if you can afford to pay one or two installments, you may encounter difficulty hands-on and fall into another debt, which will be even worse.

5. Not satisfied with the negotiation? Continue to

Remember that both parties – you and the administrator – have an interest in resolving the debt stalemate. Thus, it is worth investing in the dialogue and continuing the negotiation until it is interesting to you.

6. Have you reached an agreement? Demand fixed parcels

If you have reached a point of agreement with the administrator, close the agreement with a document stating very clearly that the payment will be made with fixed installments – which guarantees you to escape from installments that increase over time.

“This is very important. The person should only sign a document with this condition. She should avoid paying on the rotary, “says Dori.

7. Look for cheaper ways to pay

Of course, the ideal is that you can pay the debt with your money after doing a good negotiation. However, choosing for a lower interest loan than a credit card, such as payroll deductible credit, for example, may be advisable. There are card administrators who also offer this service and it is a decision to be researched and considered.

8. Seek Justice

If nothing succeeds and the negotiation does not reach an interesting agreement, one way out is to seek justice: who knows, through the judiciary, you can not reach a possible value to be paid?

Lastly, if you are in the position of lender but still feel insecure to start a debt negotiation, experts consulted by iG advise you to seek the help of professionals such as lawyers and accountants who can guide you in the best way possible. “The important thing is to resolve the issue, to avoid being a repeat offender and a defaulter,” concludes Dori.